Robert Half is partnering with a global manufacturing group in Leicester to recruit a Financial Controller for a highly visible, senior finance leadership role.
This Financial Controller position sits at the heart of a complex, engineering-led manufacturing operation with international reach. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, the role acts as their number two and takes ownership of financial performance for a significant operating segment, while also supporting wider business unit reporting, consolidation and process improvement. It is a site-based role, offering flexibility, and is suited to someone who enjoys being close to operations and influencing decision-making at senior level.
The role
As Financial Controller, you will lead finance for a core manufacturing division while also playing a key role in business unit oversight. You will partner closely with production, supply chain and commercial leaders to drive performance, improve margins and strengthen financial control. This is a hands-on leadership role with regular exposure to senior leadership and group stakeholders.
Key responsibilities will include:
1. Full financial ownership for a major manufacturing segment, covering management accounts, forecasting and budgeting
2. Delivering clear weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting on operational performance, including COGS, inventory and working capital
3. Providing detailed variance analysis across material, labour and overhead costs, with actionable insight to improve profitability
4. Driving working capital optimisation and cash flow improvement initiatives
5. Leading cost control and efficiency programmes in collaboration with operational teams
6. Ensuring robust inventory control, valuation and compliance with statutory and group requirements
7. Supporting investment cases, capital expenditure proposals and scenario modelling
8. Owning internal controls, governance and SOX compliance at site level
9. Leading local statutory and internal audits and coordinating activity across the finance team
10. Supporting the Finance Director with business unit consolidation, group submissions and consistent month-end processes
11. Contributing to the standardisation and improvement of reporting, ERP usage and data quality across sites
Who we are looking for
This role will suit an experienced Financial Controller or senior finance professional with a strong manufacturing background and the confidence to operate as a true business partner to operations and leadership teams.
You are likely to bring:
12. Full accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
13. Significant post-qualified experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
14. Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar leadership role
15. Strong knowledge of standard costing, margin analysis and operational finance
16. Experience working within UK and US GAAP environments, with solid SOX exposure
17. The ability to influence senior stakeholders using clear, commercial financial insight
18. A track record of driving process improvement, automation and stronger controls
19. Confidence operating in a fast-paced, site-based environment with competing priorities
What's on offer
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior Financial Controller role within a well-established manufacturing business with global operations and strong investment in its people and processes.
The role offers:
20. A senior, site-based Financial Controller role with flexibility
21. Significant exposure to operational leadership and group stakeholders
22. Broad remit across operations, reporting, controls and transformation
23. A collaborative, engineering-led culture with a continuous improvement mindset
24. Competitive salary and benefits package
If this Financial Controller role in Leicester is of interest, or if you are a senior finance professional looking to step into a broader leadership position, please apply now. Even if you are not actively looking, we are always keen to speak with accomplished finance professionals and get you on our radar.
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.